Dear Two Jack’s Pizza,

Know that I write these words with hesitance.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this position. Yours is not the first restaurant I’ve given my appetite — my heart — to. And honestly, it makes me a little scared being this vulnerable again.

It wasn’t long ago that Los 3 Amigos caught my fancy. Honestly, I was infatuated. The Mexican restaurant’s food was so delicious. So inviting. So comforting. It felt so right, and I told them that.

I even published my affection here in the Ticket. And you know what? It backfired.

Days after my words reached 30,000 subscribers, Los 3 Amigos closed its doors. To put myself out there like that, only to be completely rebuffed? Well, it hurt. It hurt a lot. More than I’d like to admit.

It wasn’t even that long ago either. Last month, to be exact. Maybe it’s a mistake to tell you that — I don’t want you thinking you’re a rebound. You mean so much more to me than that. Really. My words might surprise you, I suspect. Honestly, they surprise me, too. But the stomach wants what it wants.

I share all of that with you not to scare you away, but so you’ll know where I’m coming from. So you’ll know what I’m risking by being so candid. I recognize my feelings might not be reciprocated — when we first met there were a lot of middle-aged men around. Maybe you’re more into older guys.

Still, you can’t deny that we had a connection. When I dipped a slice of Alfredo Chicken Pizza into that Creamy Italian sauce and took a bite, it was electric. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it, too. Clearly, you know what you’re doing — your pizza was crispy and doughy in all the right places. I also appreciated your hot wings. No frills, no crazy flavors, just basic wings. I’m a no-nonsense kind of person (though I suspect you already noticed that during lunch).

Then there were the Cheese Sticks. My goodness. I’d be lying if I said the very thought of them hasn’t caused me a few restless nights.

Clearly, you have a lot to offer. You know that. But your prices were reasonable too. I can’t tell you how many restaurants have only been interested in my money. And I’m old enough not to tolerate gold diggers anymore. I want a restaurant that likes me for me.

Please don’t think I’m putting you on a pedestal, raising you to an imaginary status you could never fulfill in real life. I know better. You’re not perfect, and I recognize that. You can be a bit cold sometimes — like, literally cold, especially when the front doors swing open. Do I wish this wasn’t the case? Absolutely. But I don’t hold it against you. Heaven knows I have plenty of flaws myself. No one’s perfect.

Like I said, I hesitate to tell you any of this. It’s just as much for your sake as my own. When Los 3 Amigos closed down right after I told them my feelings, I couldn’t help but feel a little responsible. How could I not? It seems like every time I really open myself up to a restaurant, everybody gets hurt. They deserved a better fate, and so do you. If you want this relationship to go to the next level, it would make me the happiest customer in the world. But if you’d rather I stay away, I completely understand.

Hungrily yours,

Court

TWO JACK’S PIZZA

Where: 80 W. Center St., Provo

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Prices: Pizzas $4-$20 depending on size and toppings, breads $2-$8, pasta $6-$8, wings $3-$6, salads $3-$5

Info: (801) 377-4747, www.twojackspizza.com